2009 NBA Draft Grades

By Adi Joseph

Thu, 06/25/2009 - 8:47pm

This year's NBA Draft was supposed to be boring. The 2009
class was considered the least talented since the dreadful class of 2000. We
knew exactly who was going first for months, and there were no crazy trade rumors
involving that top pick.

Things don't always play out as they should, though.

The 2009 draft will be known for the plethora of major trades leading up to
it. In a very short span, we saw Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter and Richard
Jefferson all land on teams that were already contenders. We also saw the fifth
pick of the draft being traded and a bevvy of other, smaller deals.
12 point guards went in the first round with 3 of them taken by the Minnesota
Timberwolves.

So who won? Who lost? It's a year where no team earned an F, but only one earned
an A+. And hey, the Los Angeles Clippers even got an A for passing a multiple
choice test with only one possible answer.

Note: These grades reflect the dealings of the NBA Draft. No trades that did
not involve a draft pick are included.

Teague is a great fit for the Hawks system. With Joe Johnson and Jamal
Crawford, the Hawks can afford to take a score-first point to replace
Mike Bibby. The Hawks are a fast-paced team and the former Demon Deacon
should only help that. They could have added more immediate help in the
second round though.

The
Celtics didn't have a lot of options with the third-to-last pick in the
draft, but they got some instant value in the 24-year-old Hudson. There
may have been better players on the board than the former Tennessee-Martin
via Michigan product, but Hudson also could have gone earlier.

These are two great,
ready-to-play picks for a team that desperately needed some help on the
wings. Henderson should be a long-term starter and Brown provides great
versatility, capable of guarding three positions. They also sold Oklahoma
City the rights to the No. 54 pick, Robert Vaden.

In need
of a back-to-the-basket scorer and some defensive help, Chicago brings
in two guys capable of just those things. There were more talented options
available at each spot, but you have to like a team knowing what it needs
to succeed. And Johnson may end up a star in his own right.

The
biggest surprise of the first round came at the end of it: Eyenga received
little hype coming into the draft. But he's an athletic project who could
turn into something special. Green should be an instant role player. But
disregarding their cap situation, the Cavaliers should have taken someone
ready to contribute in the first.

Beaubois
could end up being an excellent pick in a few years. He's an athletic
point guard with incredible length and the potential to be a solid starter,
at least. Trading away BJ Mullens may come back to haunt them. Calathes
is a skilled, big combo guard suited for Europe. Nivins might be a nice
reserve if he makes the roster.

Lawson
is a very good pick (sent to Denver to honor an owed 1st round pick by
Minnesota) who might have been a lottery talent but slipped in a draft
loaded with point guards. He might be the fastest player in the draft
and should provide a great change of pace to Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets
sold Houston the rights to the 34th pick, Sergio Llull.

Analysis: The Pistons made the three best picks of the second round in
Summers, Jerebko and Chase Budinger. They then traded Budinger, the steal
of the draft, to Houston. And Daye (promised early in the process) was
an exceptionally poor first-round choice with so many better fits and
better players available.

Curry is an outstanding fit for the Warriors, a combo guard who plays in contrast to Monta Ellis and should work pretty well with him on offense. Neither will play defense, but that hasn't been a big priority in Golden State.
Word is the Curry choice may have been made by Phoenix and the Warriors
may ship him off with promising forward Brandan Wright and center Andris
Biedrins, (which would be a bad trade for them).

The
team with no picks of its own made a major splash in the second round.
The Rockets got two ready-to-play wings and a nice project point for
three cash packages and a future second rounder. Three possible first
round talents in the second round, that's called great maneuvering,
especially in the Budinger steal.

Indiana
remained true to their conservative ways, which has to be frustrating
for fans hoping for a contender. Hansbrough has the chance to be a nice
player for years. His heart and knack for scoring should keep him in the
league for a long time. But the 13th pick just seems about 10 spots too
high. Price probably would have went undrafted and wasn't the best point
guard on the board.

How
do you grade this? On one hand, the Clippers didn't mess up. They took
the future stud. Griffin was the only player in this draft who looked
like a sure thing. On the other hand, it can't be an A+ because they didn't
make any other moves and Griffin can't be called a steal.

The
defending champs sold the 29th pick, Toney Douglas, to the Knicks. Then
they traded the 42nd pick, Patrick Beverly, to the Heat for a future second
rounder and cash. They could have used one of those combo guards. Instead,
they end up with the raw, underwhelming Texas A&M forward.

The
Grizzlies wanted to improve their rebounding, defense and overall toughness.
In those regards, this was a great draft. Thabeet certainly makes a
lot of sense here and has tremendous potential. Carroll and Young will
compete for playing time but each brings something to the table.

Both players are
pretty solid fits for what the Heat need, but neither was a great pick
by any means. Beverley is a combo guard who just got done with a year
in low level Ukraine. Dozier, a former Memphis Tiger, can defend. Both
players may play in Europe next year. The Heat also got two future second
rounders for the 43rd pick, Marcus Thornton.

Jennings
was a great value pick at 10th. He's got the potential to develop into
one of the best point guards in the league, and his stock was hurt by
his decision to eschew college in favor of Europe. Meeks, on the other
hand, wasn't even close to the best shooting guard available.

The
least-talked about storyline of the draft is that Rubio may stay in
Spain for a year or two, which won't please Minnesota fans. Esteve Rubio
(Ricky's father): "With this pick, it's possible Ricky plays a
year or two more in Europe." Marca.com ... But he's still a tremendous
value at 5th, and Flynn and Ellington are also very solid picks. Trading
Randy Foye is part of this grade, but it was still a very good draft.

For
starters, the Vince Carter blockbuster isn't part of this grade. Williams
has the look of a very good NBA role player. But you have to wonder if
Gerald Henderson wouldn't have been a better fit for a team that is going
to need scoring next year. The Nets' youth movement is nice to see, though.

Your
best player is a lightning-quick 6-foot point guard. You're a playoff
team near contention. Why would you draft a lightning-quick 6-foot point
guard? With that said, Collison is a nice backup, and Thornton's scoring
ability is almost enough to look the other way on the first rounder.

The
fans booed, but Hill is a great value here, a true power forward who is
an upgrade from Al Harrington at the position. He's got the ability to
become an absolute stud, and at the least should be a poor man's Jermaine
O'Neal. The Darko Milicic trade was nice, though not included in the grade.
Douglas gvies them an excellent defender in the back court coming off
the bench.

The Thunder came
into the night with two open spots in their future starting lineup: shooting
guard and center. So they filled them. This is a case where a team drafts
for need but gets two really good values in the process. Even Vaden may
make the roster.

Orlando

Draft
Grade

Additions

Comments

N/A

Picks:
None

We're not factoring in the Vince Carter trade because it didn't involve a pick,
but if we were, the grade here would be an A.

Holiday
was expected by many to go several spots higher than this. But there
wasn't any real reason for it. While he does have potential, Holiday
is a true project who seems to have bust written all over him after
doing very little with plenty of opportunity at UCLA last season.

The
Suns got one of the 10 most talented players in the draft with the 14th
pick. The concerns over Clark's intensity seem to be a stretch. But drafting
Griffin 48th seemed a little odd, as Blake's older brother probably shouldn't
have been drafted.

The
Blazers already had a loaded roster, so they weren't looking to add much
right now. Claver has a lot of talent and won't require a contract for
a few years. Pendergraph and Cunningham are both solid value prospects
to stow away in the NBDL. Mills should have been taken 20 spots higher.

On
one hand, the trio adds much-needed toughness to a very soft team. On
the other hand, Evans isn't a true point guard and will struggle to get
shooters like Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia involved. They should
have went with Rubio. Casspi should be a nice addition on the wing, though.
Brockman: NBA, really?

How
do these guys just fall into the Spurs' lap? Blair is a perfect fit
alongside Duncan and could start next season. That alone deserves an
A. But then you factor in McClinton, a potential Eddie House clone,
and De Colo, a brilliant passer with potential, and you have an A draft
with no first rounders.

You
can't fault a team for taking the best player available at a position
of need. But DeRozan may not be the ideal fit. The Raptors can win as
soon as next year if they resign Marion, and DeRozan may still be a year
or two away. Then again, his athleticism might translate quicker than
expected.

The
Jazz failed to address their need for help on the wings and took two players
with very limited upside. Maynor is a nice player who should be a nice
backup, but they could have afforded to gamble on a small forward with
big potential. Suton lacks NBA-level athleticism and quickness.

Washington

Draft
Grade

Additions

Comments

B-

Picks:
None

The
Minnesota trade that gave away the fifth pick and three bigs for Randy
Foye and Mike Miller is looking less desirable now that we know Rubio
would have been available. But the Wizards did what they needed to do
to win now. Selling the 32nd pick, Jermaine Taylor, also might have been
foolish.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 2:28am

j_hughes53

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bucks

I think the bucks should have gotten an A. Jennings looks like a great pick for the 10 spot and Jodie Meeks is very underrated.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 2:44am

xbadgerhustler

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Aran, you were right about Jrue

and how can you not give the Spurs that A+? I would have guessed that Nando and McClinton would go around the Spurs 1st pick (37), but instead they got both guards AND added Blair.

I think Blair is a top 10 guy who just (along with RJ) made the Spurs contenders again

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 4:58am

Coherent

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Rockets, Spurs, And Thunder

The rockets spurs and Thunder had the best drafts by far. I'm glad we got Budinger and Taylor... Taylor could start in another year... and Budinger will be a nice role player for many years

Spurs getting Blair is ridiculous.... all he has to do is rebound the ball and he will play a huge role for this team right off.

And OKC, well they got two starters and the rookie of the year in James Harden

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 5:25am

fatbastard

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Sacramento draft better than Chicago's

Rodriguez is a steal (Rubio-lite) in the right system, Evans was best available, and Casspi/Brockman bring their hardhats and lunchpails to work everyday. Meanwhile, Johnson is a tweener, Taj hasn't improved much since freshman year and is too skinny and weak for the 4. Gordon now must be resigned and has more leverage. I'd reverse your grades.

Poor Heytvelt - Just say no to shrooms!

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 6:22am

mc0827

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I hate Don Nelson!

nelson is such an &$#%#[email protected]!. He took Curry just to screw the knicks over! They needed Jordan Hill and he took curry when they just acquired 2 backup pgs. With no first rounder next year we are destined for a horrible record with no pick in a far deeper draft.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 7:31am

fatbastard

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Nelson

He probably had nothing to do w/ pick. Rumored to be included in Stoudemire deal anyway, If that happens Stoudemire > Hill.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 7:54am

zruc57

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This site hates Jrue Holiday to a ridiculous degree

It seems like the writers have a personal vendetta against the guy or something. I have never seen one positive word written about him. you gave the sixers the worst grade in the draft because they selected a guy at about 10 spots after he was thought to go. getting holliday at 17 is incredible value. Almost every other websites gave them one of the highest grades. don't you think there is something wrong with your analysis? Really the sixers had the worst draft in the NBA? I don't like holiday as a top 10 pick, but you guys got to stop hating. Holliday could have went 45th and you guys would have said its a bad pick.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 8:45am

rastashlomo

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Holla at the Clipp'sssssss

The Clipper's choice was an act of genius, I mean, I knew we'd either get Blake Griffin or Taylor Griffin so I was a happy camper................ Nah shotty but in a real way Derozan is the second coming of t-mac: his fisrt 2 years will be all athletic stuff like dunks and transition blocks but by his 4th year he'll be as good Jefferson at shooting and will prove to be an excellent addition. Jennings is Gary Payton reborn, but with less D.

Everyone saying how great Blair is doesn't have a clear understanding of how many busts have had his skill set and body frame. Just to name some recent ones: Jahidi White, Tractor Traylor, and um..... well u know wat i mean sun!

O.K. don't sleep on Danny Green specifically in PHX cuz they are going to need athleticism and nash needs someone to alley-oop to, so within 3 years he'll get into double digit scoring.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 8:45am

dtmfr

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Pistons grade????? Suton drafted...HA! HA!

Budinger the steal of the draft???????? He'll be in Europe until they figure out he can't play.

Daye a bust?

I tried to set you straight on how talented Goran Suton was but you didn't listen.

As usual, you were DEAD WRONG all along.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 8:59am

japochoboi

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lakers deserve a better grade

they did what they wanted in acquiring cash to pay for the contracts of ariza and odom. this far outweighs anybody they couldve gotten in this draft.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 9:46am

zruc57

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rastashmalo

u named 2 guys comparing them to blair. Jahidi white is not like blair. There are many players with his frame who are succesful. Paul Millsap, Brandon Bass, anthony mason, even boozer. maxiell

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 12:08pm

The Hoops Manifesto

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A-Plus

A+ for Harden's bow tie. A rather weak draft in terms of suit style. I was expecting Terrence Williams to bring it style-wise and he disappointed.

I'd say the only things I disagree with you here is on the Thunder's draft, which I didn't think was worth an A. James Harden was an excellent pick at 3, but the move for Mullens was terrible, and at the same time predictable. Remember, this is the same franchise that's taken risks on Robert Swift, Johan Petro, and Mouhammed Sene. Mullens belongs in the same category of project centers that won't have any impact on their team as failed draft picks. Vaden was a decent pick, though. I would've given them a B+, not an A.

Posted on: Fri, 06/26/2009 - 7:07pm

mc0827

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ok

ok fat&$#%#[email protected]! hes just the partime gm along with the coach of the team but he had nothing to do with the pick he also coached the knicks and has every reason to be biter towards them... cmon man know what ur talking about

Posted on: Mon, 06/29/2009 - 11:27pm

rtbt

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Lakers and Sacramento with the same Grade?

I'm mystified by the grade that a usually sharp Adi Joseph gave to Sacramento. He gave them a C-, the same rating he gave the Lakers, who essentially picked up nobody in the draft. Are you kidding?

Here are the 3 players selected by Sacramento and my comments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4th) Tyreke Evans - He could evolve into an All Star and should become a big time scorer as a shooting guard.

(23rd) Omri Casspi - He might become an outstanding small forward.

(38th) Jon Brockman - A poor man's version of Paul Milsap who might be an excellent role player coming off the bench for 10-15 minutes per game, providing the kind of rebounding boost Sacramento needs. Brockman wasn't too shabby for the 38th pick.

With the players mentioned above, plus Sergio Rodgriguez, who came in a draft day trade, SAC has 4 new guys who completely change the dynamics of their team.. How could anyone give Sacramento the same grade as the Lakers?

I would give Sacramento an A minus. Whatever grade you personally give them, they certainly did far better than LA.

Posted on: Sat, 06/27/2009 - 2:15pm

IndianaBasketball

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Fire Larry Bird

You're on point about the Pacers' draft. While other teams are making moves & being aggressive, Bird is being CONSERVATIVE. For a franchise facing bankruptcy & struggling w/ attendance, I just don't think Bird is getting the job done. This city needs some excitement & a playoff appearance! Bird was a great player, but that doesn't mean he's a great judge of talent. That doesn't mean he has ALL that it takes to build a championship team. I've lost confidence in his decision making.

I like Hansbrough, but not well enough to pay him lottery pick money. I feel that we could've gotten him lower in the draft. If Bird wanted him THAT bad, he should've traded down, saved money & possibly picked up another asset. I just don't get it. We also already have a player that brings basically the same thing to the table that Hansbrough will... Jeff Foster. Once again, I think Hansbrough will be a good pro, but there were better players & w/ more upside still available. I also think Hansbrough is undersized & not athletic enough for his position... He will be nothing more than a role player in the NBA. The way he overpowered guys in college won't happen in the NBA anymore. The NBA is a completely different, bigger, meaner & more vicious animal compared to college!

Then he drafts AJ Price. I was speechless. 1st, he wouldn't have gotten drafted. 2nd, he wasn't the best point guard available. 3rd, Bird has talked a lot about getting good character guys. Um, did he forget about Price's brush in w/ the law at UConn?

What's funny is I KNEW Bird would be the idot who took Hansbrough in the lottery. The NBA is about speed, size & athleticism... We now have Rasho Nesterovic, Travis Diener, Josh McRoberts, Jeff Foster, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy & Tyler Hansbrough... A team full of unathletic & slow white guys. What is Bird trying to build here? The Pacers will be in the lottery next year. We'll get the #1 pick & just watch Bird draft Luke Harangody over John Wall!

Posted on: Sat, 06/27/2009 - 9:01pm

RomanG

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Yeah honestly. It was the

Yeah honestly. It was the perfect pick for the Sixers because they have an aging Andre Miller at point guard right now and Holliday can learn from him and get decent minutes as well. Jrue was the hughest rated prospect coming out of high school, it seems like this website has forgotten that. I wonder what theyll say when hes a superstar in a few years...

Posted on: Sun, 06/28/2009 - 1:20pm

nickstinger

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Nice Commentary

I agree with 90% of the draft observations Adi, but the Timberwolves received way too generous a grade. Why take 2 point guards back to back in the Top 6 unless you have a beneficial trade in the works at the time. It seems that Kahn is either gonna sit on Rubio's rights while he plays overseas for a year or two and hope some great trade offer comes along. That really sucks for the fans and the players they have for next season that would like to develop and win. Why not take Rubio or Flynn and DeRozan or Henderson since you have no shooting guards there anymore? I think this move will come back to bite them at somepoint, otherwise Kahn is the smartest guy around.

Posted on: Sun, 06/28/2009 - 8:03pm

Adi Joseph

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Couple thoughts

First of all, Nick, I agree. Knowing Rubio may not come over this year would have dropped the Timberwolves' grade to a D.

To all the Holiday fans, keep in mind this website never particularly liked Holiday. So I guess we'll see.

As far as Meeks goes, I would argue undrafted players such as Jerel McNeal and Dionte Christmas are better.

But that's the fun part of the draft. We get to wait and see. Thanks for reading.

Posted on: Mon, 06/29/2009 - 4:53pm

mmichnowicz1

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Sixers

Why is Drafting Jrue Holiday so good or bad every site thinks differently of the pick, espn, and si have it as a great pick.
I will have to agree it was bad, because miller will probably leave, and i do not think Holiday is read to contribute yet.
You take 2 point guards because u need Europe insurance, if Rubio does not play you have Flynn. If Rubio Plays you have trade bait.

Posted on: Tue, 02/23/2010 - 2:49am

naganigi

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Just a few things,
You

Just a few things,

You forgot Toney Douglas to the Knicks' list of additions.

I'd say the only things I disagree with you here is on the Thunder's draft, which I didn't think was worth an A. James Harden was an excellent pick at 3, but the move for Mullens was terrible, and at the same time predictable. sikişPenis BüyütücüSikiş izleKızlık Bozma Videosusiyah peynir Remember, this is the same franchise that's taken risks on Robert Swift, Johan Petro, and Mouhammed Sene. Mullens belongs in the same category of project centers that won't have any impact on their team as failed draft picks. Vaden was a decent pick, though. I would've given them a B+, not an A.